Update on EHR-Meaningful Use Advocacy Efforts

February 11, 2014

The
Massachusetts Medical Society is undertaking special efforts to change a new
state requirement that in order to renew their medical license, physicians must
be proficient in the use of electronic health records at the level of the
federal government's Meaningful Use standards. This requirement is scheduled to
take effect for license renewals starting in Jan. 2015.

According
to the Massachusetts eHealth Institute, only 15,000 of the 27,000 physicians
who live in Massachusetts and hold a Massachusetts license would be able to
meet that standard. Most of the remaining physicians are, under law, ineligible
for Meaningful Use incentives and could lose their license if this requirement
remains in effect. Without a doubt, the loss of more than 10,000 physicians
would have a devastating impact on the health care system.

The
MMS has been pursuing two parallel paths to address the issue:

Legislative: The MMS has asked
the Legislature to disconnect state licensure from the use of electronic health
records or meaningful use certification. At least one version of such language
is currently under consideration by the Legislature

Regulatory: At the same time,
the MMS has asked the Board of Registration in Medicine to interpret the law in
such a way that would allow physicians to apply for license renewal even if
they are ineligible for Meaningful Use. The board is currently working on
regulations and may release a draft soon.

MMS Guide to Health Information
Technology

Whether you are still considering an EHR, struggling to integrate an existing one into your practice or looking to take yours to the next level, our informative Committee on Information Technology guide provides best-practices and pitfalls, as well as the implications of mandates such as Meaningful Use, HIPAA compliance and connecting to Health Information Exchanges.